Wills And Trusts

At Bacon Wilson, we have one of the largest estate planning and probate practice groups in Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut. Our lawyers have represented multiple generations of families, assisting with thousands of estate plans and probate estates, each handled with individualized service. Much of our practice focuses on the transfer of assets to family members and charities in a manner that is efficient, economical, and sensitive.

Estate Planning For All

While many people believe estate planning is only for the very wealthy, nearly anyone can benefit from a few basic estate planning documents, including a Last Will and Testament, Health Care Proxy, Durable Power of Attorney, and Homestead Declaration.

Articulating your wishes in an estate plan has many benefits:

You can indicate what you want to happen to your assets, including your bank accounts, real estate, and family keepsakes.

You may nominate a legal guardian for your children in the event of your incapacity or death. While the court has final say over guardianship, making your wishes known can increase the chances the guardian is someone you designate.

A trust can make the eventual administration or settlement of your estate less stressful and expensive for your loved ones. It may even be possible to avoid probate completely (link to avoiding probate).

Trusts

A trust document is among the most useful estate planning tools for the management and distribution of family assets. Trusts serve a wide range of functions and may be appropriate for a variety of families' financial circumstances and goals.

There are many different types of trusts that are useful in a full range of circumstances, including:

A special needs trust to maintain benefits for a disabled individual

An irrevocable trust to allow life insurance benefits to pass tax-free to younger generations

A revocable trust to avoid the need for probate and minimize, if not eliminate, taxes

A trust, and therefore its assets, can be professionally managed by a person or bank as trustee. Trusts also provide tax benefits, especially for married couples. A trust can also help you avoid probate, maximizing your privacy and minimizing the time and cost incurred by your loved ones.

Supporting Your Estate Planning Goals

Whether you hope to minimize your estate tax burden, set aside assets for your loved ones, or make a tax-efficient gift to a charitable organization, we take the time to understand your objectives and develop creative strategies to meet them. To learn more, please send us an email or call 413-693-2787 for a consultation at one of our offices in Springfield, Northampton, Amherst, or Westfield.

What People Are Saying...

“When I had my first will done several years ago, it was one page and no fine details. Then I met attorney Gina Barry, and a dozen pages later I have a perfect will. Gina’s knowledge and attention to detail is outstanding. I highly recommend using her for any type of estate planning.” -Debbie

“I have had nothing but great results when Mike Katz has been doing work on my behalf. Mike is an excellent negotiator is a great communicator with the best interest of his clients as the top priority.” July 13, 2011

“Hyman Darling and I have had mutual clients over the years. I continually network with attorneys, financial planners and CPAs as we each handle different aspects of clients' needs. I cannot count the number of times Hyman has been highly spoken of, and considered the "go-to-guy" for elder law planning. He is carries himself with utmost grace, and his expertise in the field is second to none. He is in high demand amongst attorneys who need the highest level of knowledge and understanding with particular cases. Hyman’s record speaks for itself.” December 6, 2010

“I have known Gina Barry since 2003 when we met at a professional group BNI. Since then, I have hired her to work with my mother's estate as well as prepare my own will. I have found her integrity and expertise in her field second to none. Gina has the ability to carefully plan your life estate so you can rest assured, live your life without doubt!” December 21, 2008

“From the first time I met Kevin he listened to my situation and discussed the possible scenarios that could take place. I decided, with his advice, and direction, a course of action that was comfortable for me. Kevin implemented the plan and informed me of changes through phone and email. Kevin was open to resolving the situation and was always looking out for my best interest. I would highly recommend Kevin as a litigation attorney.” January 7, 2009

“Jeff provides our non-profit corporation with outstanding legal advice relating to the operation of a fiber optic network, cable TV PEG matters, community outreach, government relations, and non-profit regulations. He combines his comprehensive legal knowledge with experience-based advice on telecommunications and non-profit business operations to provide a 'one stop shop' for our company.” January 25, 2011

Thank you once again to you and your superb team for assisting me with the MassHealth situation. You truly continue to be a life saver for me… You keep me steady by responding with terrific legal and general health solutions, which are really very appreciated.

Stan

Julie (Dialessi-Lafley,) thank you for everything yesterday. You are truly the best attorney ever

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